The best part – they do it with Contact Lenses! AND stem cells.
The idea stemmed from the observation that stem cells from the cornea (the thin, transparent barrier at the front of the eye) stick to contact lenses. Employing three patients who were blind in one eye, the researchers obtained stem cells from their healthy eyes and cultured them in extended wear contact lenses for ten days. The surfaces of the patients’ corneas were cleaned and the contact lenses inserted. Within 10 to 14 days the stem cells began to recolonize and repair the cornea. Of the three patients, two were legally blind but can now read the big letters on an eye chart, while the third, who could previously read the top few rows of the chart, is now able to pass the vision test for a driver’s license. The research team isn’t getting over excited, still remaining unsure as to whether the correction will remain stable, but the fact that the three test patients have been enjoying restored sight for the last 18 months is definitely encouraging. The simplicity and low cost of the technique also means that it could be carried out in poorer countries.
This is awesome. My grandmother went blind later in her life, and one of my big fears (yes, I am one of those think way too far into the future and stress out about things out of my control) is that I will lose my vision in my old age. I am pretty scared about that. If this proves conclusive permanently, this could be quite the breakthrough. And perhaps it could have other applications. Could it translate to hearing? bones? Kidneys and other organs?
If I can also take a moment to rail against the conservatives. How long have we heard the right rail against stem cell research? Look at the potential cures we have found from stem cells in just this example? But, because of the conservatives limiting research, these cures are being discovered in foreign countries who are more advanced in these fields now. We are falling behind in this tech. Funny how the Conservatives who put America First are promoting policies that put us behind our foreign cometition.
